General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Obama vs Hersh [View all]OilemFirchen
(7,143 posts)If we are wont to believe journalists, then journalists must continue to adhere to the basic rules of their trade. It matters not one whit how "honorable" a man or woman is, or was, if their work product is the result of crap construction in defiance of journalistic standards. Failing to call out a writer for an unsourced, unresearched and implausible story is a deprivation of one's ethical responsibilities.
It's common, understandable and reasonable to belittle so-called journalists of the conservative persuasion. They are notorious liars who write out of whole cloth. It's common here, as it should be.
It's an abomination to not call out so-called journalists of the liberal persuasion, simply because they, at one time (or even contemporaneously) did good work. To do so is more despicable than to fail to point out the shortcomings of the other side.
For the umpteenth time, I've asked someone, anyone to defend the great Nat Hentoff in his present incarnation. Yet the cowards here are silent on the matter. Why? Perhaps because if one admits that a former liberal giant has become a monster, it casts a pall on the questionable ethics of others. And that, apparently, is unthinkable.
I have no problem declaiming that Sy Hersh is no longer a reputable journalist. None whatsoever - because it's a plain fact. That others continue to lionize him, despite his clear abrogation of the basics of his profession, is shameful.